Let's just suck it up and admit that death and destruction are always net goods for Republicans. As repetitive as this is, it bears pointing out just how excoriated Democrats would be if they were publicly salivating over the chance to appear "presidential" and "in charge" whenever disaster struck, and if Democrats were excited about the possibility of avoiding direct comparison with their Republican opponent.

It would be assailed as cowardly, simpering, opportunistic and even potentially treasonous, the final nail in the coffin for a party that's sought to make every death in Iraq a political prop to boost their own political fortunes. But they're Republicans and they pulled this last time, so they need it. Hop in line, patriots!